Prepare: Winter Weather Car Bag

This massive ice and snow storm plowed across middle America and we here at my house were not spared. From Monday through Tuesday PM, we were dumped with rain which turned to sleet then snow. Then the temps dropped to the single digits and have not risen above 20F since.

Spouse has a mission critical job and had to go to work each day. I put together an emergency bag specifically for the job which I tossed in the backseat. It does not matter if most of the ride was along well traveled interstates or tollroads for some obvious reasons. The car might get stuck along with hundreds of other vehicles. The driver may find themselves sitting in their car for hours before a tow truck arrives.

The car already had a blanket, flashlight, flares and other standard stuff. But the bag contained...

- Chocolate bars
- Granola bars
- Peanuts
- Fruit and carrot sticks
- 6 bottles of water
- A thermos of hot coffee
- Canned sardines
- Crackers
- A pair of heavy winter gloves
- A pair of work gloves
- Extra set of long underwear
- Stocking cap
- Another blanket
- An extra scarf
- Sunglasses
- An old heavy coat (in case they have to get out of the car and don't want to get good coat dirty.)


In the back, I tossed an old rubber door mat. Why? It can be used for traction on ice if the car is simply in a slick surface and left behind if need be.

Also, put some extra weight in the trunk or hatch as heavier cars are less likely to hydroplane.

Sure enough, some of the supplies were needed. At one point downtown, the car was stuck at an intersection along with every other car. The mat was used effectively. Then, they were stuck downtown for four hours before they could get out of the office. The emergency food was a big help as there was not a restaurant open and no food in the office.

This winter is not over yet. Put an emergency bag together for each trip. And don't leave the water in the car overnight! It will freeze - found that out personally this morning!

Be careful.